The Ghost Train

[poliphilo]

A West End hit (written by Arnold Ridley- who later played Private Godfrey in Dad's Army) rejigged as a vehicle for Lancashire comedian "big-hearted" Arthur Askey and his suave straight man Richard "Stinker "Murdoch. A bunch of travellers are stranded over night in a haunted railway station. There are laughs and chills- and Murdoch gets to fire an automatic in anger. (In the 1940s it was the cool thing to shoot from the hip; now it looks dorky.) Askey is (or plays) one of those comedians who is never "off"- producing a non-stop fusillade of clowning, back chat and impressions. He reminds me of Robin Williams.

I couldn't really tell you if this movie is any good; I remember all these people from my childhood and I'm fond of them.

Comments

[artkouros.livejournal.com]

I've wondered if that shooting from the hip thing had more to do with keeping everything in view on those small screens. You certainly can't aim very well that way.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

You could be right.

These days you hold your piece out at full length then turn it sideways. Is there any virtue in that or is it just another affectation?

[artkouros.livejournal.com]

I've done it both ways. The sideways grip is a little more natural, but mostly it just looks cool.

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

I actually watched that a few months ago - the roomie had stumbled upon it somewhere, and it felt like just the ticket that evening. We were both very pleased with the choice. ^_^ I admit, much of my perception of Arthur Askey had been of his twilight years of nostalgia, rather than of that fabulously energetic, even sly comedy. I'd happily recommend it. ^_^

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Askey went out of style- as comics so often do- but he was pretty good I think.